Brandon E Taylor's Weblog Cogitations, Meditations, and Ruminations

Recent Reads

• Andrew Jackson : His Life and Times - H.W. Brands (2005) - **** (out of 5)

There have been countless books published in the last 5 years or so chronicling the lives of early great Americans. It is surprising, then, that only recently has a book been published dedicated to Andrew Jackson. Brands' book tells the story of Jackson's life in an engaging way. Jackson's rise to prominence in spite of his humble beginnings and his hardships is a recurring theme. Unfortunately, Brands spends too little time discussing Jackson's political career and his views on slavery.

• Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt - Anne Rice (2005) - *** 1/2 (out of 5)
  

While not always a terrifically well written book, Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt is nevertheless notable both for the remarkable subject matter - the life of Jesus' extended family during his youth - and also for its testimony to Rice's return to the Catholic Church. The book strays from strict orthodoxy at times, but always seems to do so in a respectful manner. I recommend that readers of this book read the author's afterword to get a sense of the Rice's research for the book and for the profound personal meaning for which the book held for her.

• Odd Thomas - Dean Koontz (2003) - *** (out of 5)
  

I have become accustomed over the years to Koontz' hack-work on many of his books (I still regard Tick Tock as one of the worst works of contemporary fiction I have ever read).  I was pleasantly surprised, then, when I read Odd Thomas. The plot serves mostly as a backdrop for the development of Odd Thomas and his various friends and acquaintances. Once I got past the awkward humor, I found Odd - with his humility, basic goodness, and sense of responsibility - to be a rather endearing character.

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"Great American" Books Worth A Look:

• John Adams - David McCullough (2002)
• Benjamin Franklin : An American Life - Walter Isaacson (2003)
• Alexander Hamilton - Ron Chernow (2004)

"Dean Koontz" Book Worth A Look:

• Intensity - Dean Koontz (1996)
  

( Aug 18 2006, 01:11:34 AM PDT ) Permalink Comments [1]